Aaron: Traditions regarding this brother of Moses who will be considered as the ancestor and model of priests and especially of the High Priest of Jerusalem: [Ex_4,14]; [Ex_6,20]; [Ex_15,20]; [Ex_32,1]; [Num_12,1]; [Num_20,24]. The sons of Aaron are the priests.
Abel: The first victim of violence: [Gen_4,2]; [Wis_10,3]; [Mt_23,35]; [1Jn_3,12]; model of the just person: [Heb_11,4].
Abiathar: (or Ebyathar) [1S_22,20]; [1S_22,23]; [1S_22,30]; [2S_15,27]; [1K_2,7]; [1K_2,25]; [Mk_2,26].
Abimelech: King of Guerar: [Gen_20,1]; [Gen_26,1]. Son of Gedeon [Jdg_9,1].
Abishag of Shunem: [1K_1,3].
Abner: Saul's cousin and chief of his army: [1S_14,51]; [1S_17,55]; [2S_2,8].
Abraham: [Gen_12,1] to [Gen_25,1]. Biblical Teaching 20-28.
Absalom: Son of David: [2S_3,3]; [2S_14,1] - [2S_18,1].
Adam: [Gen_3,1]; [Sir_33,10]; [Lk_3,38]; [Rom_5,12]; [1Cor_15,22].
Agabus: [Acts_11,28]; [Acts_21,10].
Ahab: [1K_16,1] - [1K_22,1].
Ahaz: King of Juda [2K_16,1]; [Is_7,1].
Ammonites: People of nomadic origin that settled down on the east of the river Jordan, taking advantage of the collapse of the kingdoms of Egypt and Mesopotamia around the 12th century B.C. They founded a kingdom whose capital was Rabbath-Ammon, today Amman in Jordan.
Amorites: Nomadic population that prevailed at the beginning of the 2nd millennium in the kingdoms of Mesopotamia and Syria. The famous Hammourabi who will establish an empire in Babylon around 1800 B.C. Is an Amorite, like Abraham and the Patriarchs.
Ananias: And Sapphira [Acts_5,1].
Anathema: At the beginning the word meant: separated, cut-off, and was applied to all that belonged to God and could not fall into prophane hands; it can be a person, or a land, or something donated to God ([Lev_27,21]; [Num_18,14]). It could be a conquered city which will be burned down and its whole population massacred ([Jos_7,1]). Later on the anathema will be the condemnation that will exclude a person from the people of God, pointing him out for cursing ([Rom_9,3]; [Gal_1,9]).
Andrew: Apostle [Mk_1,16]; [Mk_3,18]; [Mk_13,3]; [Jn_1,40]; [Jn_12,22].
Angels: The word means messengers; in the Bible It is found with different meanings. The angel is, at times, a way of speaking about some intervention of God (see commentary on [Gen_16,1]; [Jdg_6,11]; [2K_19,35). But more often, it expresses the belief in the superior beings who are surrounding God and are at His service]; they are often called "sons of God" - the true translation in English would be: "divine beings". (See [Ps_29,1]; [Ps_89,7]). It is true that at the beginnings these "divine beings" were gods, but in Israel they were made the servants of the unique God and never was there a question of going beyond that. They were, then, superior beings connected with our universe but belonging to the invisible realities of the world. The Old Testament speaks of Seraphim ([Is_6,1]) and the Cherubim ([Ezk_1,1]; [Ezk_9,3]) - sacred monsters in the religions of the Middle-East - as the guards of God. Later on, the angels will be seen as the messengers of God, in charge of guiding the nations and directing the events ([Dt_32,8]; [Dn_4,10] and [Dn_4,14]). This will be their major role in the New Testament ([Eph_1,21]). Like Wise the angels are seen taking care of those people who follow the will of God, as it was the case in [Dn_2,1] and [Tb_5,4]. See [Mt_18,10]. In Revelation they represent the faithful people before God ([Rev_8,3]).
Antioch: Several cities in the Near-East carry this name. Antioch of Syria, today Antakya on the south-eastern part of Turkey. A Christian community was founded in the year 37 on this capital of the Roman province of Syria ([Acts_11,19] - [Acts_11,30]). Antioch of Pisidia, today a place of ruins at about 250 kms. south-west of Ankara. Paul and Barnabas evangelized this city around the year 46 ([Acts_13,14] - [Acts_13,52]).
Apocryphal Books: That comment the biblical events but are not recognized by the church as inspired books.
Apollos: [Acts_18,24]; [1Cor_1,12]; [Tit_3,13].
Apostle: This word means Sent. At the time of Jesus the one sent was in reality the representative of his master. That is the reason why Jesus gave such importance to the formation of the Twelve he called and who later on were known as the apostles. List of the Twelve: [Mt_10,2]; [Acts_1,13]. Their call: [Jn_1,35] - [Jn_1,51]; [Lk_5,1] - [Lk_5,11]. See also Biblical teaching 121, 122, 158, 163, 175, 180, 240. 
Aquila: and Priscilla [Acts_18,2] and [Acts_18,26]; [1Cor_16,19]; [Rom_16,3].
Arabah: It is the big north-south depression that crosses the whole of Palestine and on which the river Jordan makes its course. The word specially refers to the southern part that extends itself until the gulf of Aqabah: [Dt_1,1]; [Dt_4,49]; [Jos_11,16]; [Jer_39,4].
Aramean: Language, from the same family of Hebrew it will become the common language of Israel after the return from Exile, but Hebrew will remain the sacred language.
Arameans: People of nomadic origin who settled down on the north-east of the back of Tiberias around the 12th century B.C. They occupied what is now the territory of Syria, more or less. In the Bible the word Aramean is often translated as Syrians. They formed several small independent Kingdoms, the most important one being Damascus. They were neighbors of the Kingdom of Israel and often mutually at war: [2K_20,1] - [2K_22,1]. They were finally defeated at the same time as Israel by the Kings of Assyria.
Ararat: The country of Arartu refers to the region of Caucasus; these mountains of the "extreme north" were the residence of gods, and this is the reason why the pre-biblical Noe had to land there: [Gen_8,4]; [Is_14,13]; [Jer_51,27].
Areopagus: Council of Wise men of the city of Athen in-charge, among other things, of the religious affairs.
Ark: Of the Covenant Acacia wooden case carried on man's shoulders. [Ex_25,10] - [Ex_25,22] makes a long description of it. It was considered as a sign of the presence of God and thus, it was called the foot-stool of Yahweh ([1S_4,1] - [1S_6,1]; [Ezk_43,7]). It also contained the tables of the law received in the Sinai and, according to a later tradition, a golden urn with a handful of manna deposited there, and the staff of Aaron that blossomed in the desert. The Ark disappeared with the Temple in the year 587 B.C. and was never reconstructed. They reconstructed nevertheless the propitiatory, or place of mercy, a golden carved slab that used to cover the ark and on which the blood for the expiation of sins was offered. 
Asherah: It was a sacred pole, symbol of the power of a god; it was placed in front of his statue in the sanctuaries on the hills.
Asia: In the ancient texts and also in the N.T., Asia refers to the Roman province that covered the farthest western region of the actual Turkey.
Asmoneans: It was the name given to the sovereigns, descendants from the family of Maccabees, who reigned in Palestine during the 150 years before Christ.
Assyria: It covered the two shores of the river Tigris all along its middle course and became a big empire between the 10th and 7th centuries. On the 8th century Assyria destroyed the kingdom of Israel with its capital Samaria. At the end of the following century Assyria was completely destroyed by Babylonians.
Astarte: Main feminine goddess of the Cananeans. She presided over fertility and sensual love.
Athaliah: Queen of Juda: [2K_11,1].
Athens: This city extended its intellectual radiance over the whole of the Mediterranean area. It was evangelized by Paul around the year 50 ([Acts_17,16] - [Acts_17,34]).
Baal: Or "Lord". It is the name given to the male divinities among the Cananeans. Its cult spread over Israel and was vigorously fought by the Prophets ([1K_18,20] - [1K_18,40]). Yahweh also received the title of Baal in the ancient times ([Hos_2,18]).
Babylon: City and countryside located in the region of Baghdad in Iraq. It was in several occasions the capital of Mesopotamia. It is especially known as the empire of Nebuchadnezzar (605-562) that succeeded the one of Assyria. This king led two punitive military expeditions against the kingdom of Juda and, on the second one (year 587), burned down the city and the temple of Jerusalem. He deported the elites of the country to Babylon: it was the Exile, or Babylonian captivity, an event of primary importance in the biblical history. Only when Babylon was taken by Cyrus and the Persians in 537 were the Jewish People able to return to their country.
Baptism of John and Baptism of Jesus: see commentary to [Lk_3,15].
Baptism: It is a rite used in many religions with a meaning of purification. To baptize is a greek word meaning to wash or to immerse. Baptism appeared in the Bible with John the Baptizer. It will become the rite of entrance in the Church.
Barabbas: [Mt_27,16]; [Jn_18,40].
Barnabas: One of the first apostles aside from the Twelve; missionary with Paul: [Acts_4,36]; [Acts_9,27]; [Acts_11,22]; [Acts_13,1]; [Acts_15,36].
Bartholomew: Apostle [Mt_10,3].
Bathsheba: [2S_11,3]; [1K_1,11].
Beatitudes: See [Mt_5,1] and note.
Beelzebul: Cananean divinity whose name means: Baal, the Prince. Very much venerated in the Philistine city of Eqron, this divinity symbolizes in the gospel, due to his name, the prince of demons ([Mt_12,24]).
Benjamin: Traditions regarding this last son of Jacob: [Gen_35,18]; [Gen_43,14]; [Gen_49,27].
Bible: All understand that it is the sacred book whose biggest part is common to the Jewish and the Christians. The word means: The Books. This is the name given to the Scriptures of Israel when they were translated into Greek. As the Church of the Apostles used the Greek version and presentation of these Scriptures, the word Bible took roots among the Christians when they added to the ancient collection the books of the apostolic period that will be known as the New Testament.
Blasphemy: The word to blaspheme means: "to defame" or "to calumny" ([Jas_2,7]). In the Bible, the word refers most of the time to a blaspheme that offends God and it is punished by death.
Boaz: The spouse of Ruth: Ruth.
Breaking of bread: Jesus took at the institution of the Eucharist, this rite that marked the starting of the meal among the Jewish people ([Mk_6,41]; [Acts_27,35]); very soon this expression was commonly used to speak about the eucharistic celebration ([1Cor_10,16]).
Brothers of Jesus: This is an expression used by the primitive church to designate an influential and quite conservative group composed of relatives and acquiantances of Jesus at Nazareth. In the gospels they are called "brothers" of Jesus in accordance with the use of the term in the Hebrew Bible as well as in the Greek version, but never with the meaning that the Hebrew's expression refers to the "blood brothers". See commentary of [Mk_3,31].
Caiaphas: [Lk_3,2]; [Mt_26,3]; [Jn_11,49].
Caleb: [Num_13,6]; [Jos_14,6].
Calendar: The ancient Israel knew a cycle of 12 lunar months of 29 or 30 days to which they added from time to time a supplementary month to make up for the retard vis-a-vis the solar year of 365 days 1/4. The year, then, started in autumn, at the end of the harvesting, and the months had names of agricultural origin. From the Babylonian Exile, the Babylonian calendar, that begun in spring, was adopted; the months changed names and were known as first, second, third month etc. Later on the names of the Babylonian calendar were introduced: thus, the month of abib (the cobs: [Ex_13,4]) became Nisan. The religious year started, then, in springtime.
Canaan, Canaanites: They were the ancient inhabitants of Palestine at the time when the Israelites entered the land. They were quite divided among themselves, a fact that facilitated the conquest. They had already more than a millennium of urban culture and the Israelites couldn't help but destroy or copy many of the elements of their prosperity. The Canaan language became the Hebrew. Many religious customs were adopted from the Cananeans: feasts, sacred places, etc., but the faith in a unique God, the rejection of the images and the human sacrifices were stubbornly kept among the Israelites. The civilization of Canaan remained in Phoenicia, in the merchant cities of Tyre and Sidon. The word Cananean refers sometimes to the Phoenician or to a merchant ([Mt_15,22]; [Zep_1,11]).
Cephas: (Peter) This nickname means rock in aramean: [Jn_1,42]. The name is mentioned in [1Cor_1,12]; [1Cor_3,22]; [1Cor_9,5]; [1Cor_15,5]; [Gal_1,18]; [Gal_2,9] - [Gal_2,14]. Simon, nicknamed Cephas, will become Simon Peter in the Greek and Latin Churches: [Mt_16,16].
Chaldea: This is the name given to the lower Mesopotamia. Several cities, like Ur, blossomed there; at the time of Kings, Babylon was the center of the area.
Charisms: Spiritual gifts given by God to each person for the good of entire Church. See [1Cor_12,1] and [1Cor_14,1], and their respective notes.
Cherubims: Sort of winded animals covering the ark of covenant ([Ezk_1,1]).
Church: See Biblical Teaching 120-124.
Circumcision: Probably this rite goes back to prehistoric times. It must have arrived in the Orient with the migration of Egyptian populations towards the valley of the Nile. Practiced in Egypt in the 3rd and 2nd millennium, it will be taken in Israel as the sign of belonging to God. See [Gen_17,9] and the note. When the Church began to admit non-Jewish people, the problem arose on whether to impose it or not for them to join the people of God. Paul especially, was against the imposition. The Council of Jerusalem ([Acts_15,1]) gave freedom to the Christians coming from the Greek world. The refusal of the imposition of the circumcision is very strongly motivated in Paul: it was the way of strengthening, even at the risk of scandal, that which constituted the newest in the Christian faith ([Gal_5,11]).
Cleophas: (or Clopas) [Lk_24,18]; [Jn_19,25].
Commandments: See Law.
Cornelius: The Roman officer baptized by Peter: [Acts_10,1].
Covenant: This very word summarizes the whole faith of Israel as well as the Christian faith. We are the people of the Covenant with God. The covenant was given for the first time to Abraham (see commentary to [Gen_15,1]), then to Israel through the mediation of Moses: (see commentary to [Ex_19,1] and [Ex_24,1]). A new covenant was announced by Jeremiah ([Jer_31,31]) and it will be celebrated by Jesus on the eve of his death (see commentary to [Mk_14,12]).
Cyrus: King of Persia; on the year 539 he overrun the last sovereign of Babylon, Nabonid, and the following year he authorized the return of the Jewish people to Jerusalem. His role as liberator of Israel merited him to be presented as a Messiah in the text of Isaiah ([Is_42,2] and [Is_45,1])."
Daniel: Legendary sage ([Ezk_14,14]) to whom the book of Daniel is attributed.
David: The true founder of the kingdom of Israel, and the dynasty that reigned in Jerusalem for four centuries: [1S_16,1] - [1S_16,30], 2S (whole book), [1K_1,1] and [2K_2,1]. Considered later as the organizer of the cult and the author of the Psalms: [1Chr_16,1] - [1Chr_29,1]. David, founder of the Messianic dynasty, will be for the N.T. one of the pre-figures of the Messiah: [Mt_12,23]; [Mt_22,43]; [Acts_2,25]; [Acts_13,36]; [Rev_22,16].
Deacons: See [Acts_6,1] and note. Paul in the letter to the Philippians presents the deacons as the assistants of the "episcopes" (or elders, responsible of the local church). The letter to Timothy indicates the requirement for this ministry ([1Tim_3,8] - [1Tim_3,12]).
Dead: "Sea". This salt lake of 75 km. long by 15 km wide is 400 m. under the sea level. In the O.T. Is called at times Salt Sea ([Gen_14,3]), at times Arabah Sea ([Dt_3,17]), or Eastern Sea ([Jl_2,20]), or Asphalt Sea, due to the abundant asphalt in its waters.
Death: See Biblical Teachings 88 and 90-93. See also "Resurrection".
Deborah: The wet mother of Rebekah: [Gen_35,8]. Prophetess: [Jdg_4,5].
Decalogue: See [Ex_20,22] and note, and [Dt_5,1].
Diaspora or Dispersion: This word indicated the collectivity of the Jewish people scattered in the neighboring countries and especially in the Roman empire at the time of the beginning of the Christian era. They were more Numerous than the Jews of Palestine. A common conviction was that at the end of time the whole of Israel would be unified ([Jn_7,35]). The Christian apostolate, fruitless in Palestine after a few years, addressed the communities of the diaspora: most of Paul's work took place among them; it was from the diaspora that he reached the non-Jews. The word appeared in [1P_1,1].
Disavowal: According to the Law ([Dt_24,1]) the husband could repudiate his wife, but not the opposite. He had to give her an act of disavowal in order to allow her to re-marry. Jesus, by stressing the holiness of marriage condemned that practice. See [Mt_19,1] - [Mt_19,9] and note.
Disciple: The disciple is ordinarily the one who sticks to a master, allowing himself to be formed by him. In the gospel there is often a confusion between the words disciple and apostle, but not in Luke. The apostles (the Twelve of Jesus) were elected by him and remained with him: the disciples formed a fluctuating group of persons attached to him but not living in community with him.
Earthly Paradise: See [Gen_2,1] and [Gen_3,1] and their respective notes.
Edomites: This nomads established on the SE of the Dead Sea settled down at the end of the 2nd millennium and founded a kingdom that was often in conflict with Israel. The conflicts and massacres related in the Bible did not prevent the Israelites to recognize that they had a common origin with the Edomites: they expressed it by pointing out to Esau, a brother of Jacob, as their father: [Gen_25,30].
Elamites: People at the west of the Lower-Mesopotamia. The Samaritan people were partly formed of Elamites deportees by the Assyrians: [Ezra_4,9].
Elders: They are the chiefs of nomadic clans at the beginning of the biblical history: later on, after the settling down, this term will be referred to the big land-owners that will be a part of Sanhedrin. When the synagogues started being organized, they were directed by a council of elders, and this is the way of government that the first churches will adopt ([Acts_11,30]). The elders are men chosen for their maturity and their sense of responsibility ([Acts_14,23]); elected by the community but accepted by the hierarchy, they received the imposition of the hands from the apostles in a direct or indirect way ([1Tim_5,17]; [Tit_1,5]). They are entrusted with the task of guiding the community, of giving them the word and of presiding the Eucharist ([Acts_20,17]). In the Greek language the word elder is "presbuteros", from which the term "priest" comes, but it is clear that in our Church the word has not anymore the same meaning.
Eleazar: Son and successor of Aaron: [Num_3,4]; [Jos_14,1].
Elijah: The great prophet of Israel: [1K_17,1]; [1K_19,21]; [2K_1,3]. Elijah taken up to heaven: [2K_2,1]; [Sir_48,9]; [Mal_4,23]. Elijah remains in the whole biblical tradition as the personification of the essence of a prophet: [Mt_11,14]; [Mt_17,1] - [Mt_17,13].
Elisha: Prophet successor of Elijah, man of miracles: [1K_19,16]; [2K_2,5]; [2K_9,1]; [Lk_4,27].
Elizabeth: [Lk_1,5]; [Lk_1,40] - [Lk_1,45].
Emim: This is the name that the traditions gave to the old inhabitants of Palestine long before the arrival of the Israelites. It was said they belonged to a race of giants ([Dt_2,11]).
Emmanuel: (Immanuel) "God among us", this is the name given to the infant announced as a sign of God by the prophet Isaiah ([Is_7,14]); Matthew will apply this text to Jesus and from then on it will become the name of the Savior in the Christian tradition.
Ephesus: Capital of the Roman province of Asia, this city today in ruins, was located in the west coast of the actual Turkey; Paul founded there a Christian community around the year 55, to whom he wrote one of his letters.
Essenes: They came, like the Pharisees, from the movement of Hasideans or Hasidim that renovated the spirit of faith a century and a half before. Like the Pharisees they were committed to the Law and more than the Pharisees themselves, they were enemies of the Sadducees. They were fatalists and did not believe in political action. They thought that God would intervene in order to eliminate all the "sons of darkness". They gathered in communities among which one, at least, called Qumran, lived in a monastic way in the desert near the shores of the Dead Sea.
Eucharist: See the Biblical teaching 188.
Exile: Period of the history of Israel that goes from the destruction of Jerusalem in 587 to the first returnings that began in the year 538. This trial meant for Israel a time of maturation, of deepening and purification of the faith. See Bibl. Teach. 64 and 65.
Exorcism: Action of chasing the demons from the possessed. See Satan. 
Fast: It was a part of the ritual of penance of certain Jewish feasts ([Lev_16,29] - [Lev_16,31]). It was practiced privately at certain occasions ([Ps_35,13]). Jesus will fast before the beginning of his mission ([Mt_4,2]) and the disciples of John the Baptist fasted, as well as the Pharisees ([Mt_9,14]; [Lk_18,12]). In the primitive Church fasting will accompany the prayers at the moments of important decisions ([Acts_13,3]; [Acts_14,23]).
Firstborn: As every first fruit, hebelongs to God; but if they are consecrated, they cannot be immolated because these kinds of sacrifices were prohibited by the Law and the Prophets ([Ex_13,13]; [Jer_19,1] - [Jer_19,9]). Nevertheless, this sacrifice of the first borns was a common practice among the Cananeans, neighbors of Israel. The narrative of the sacrifice of Isaac had the purpose of introducing the prohibition of the Bible in this matter ([Gen_22,1]). In the N.T. the word only appear to qualify Jesus as the Firstborn from God. In Hebrew culture, the Firstborn is not simply the first of a series of equals, he belongs to a different rank. Jesus is the first born for every creature ([Col_1,15]) because the whole of creation was done through him.
Gamaliel: Famous Master at the time of Jesus. Paul was very much indebted to him: [Acts_5,34]; [Acts_22,3].
Gehenna: In the gospel the Gehenna is the image of hell, in fact, it was in this valley that surrounded Jerusalem on the W and SW that many Israelites immolated by fire their sons at the time of Jeremiah. Many pages of Jeremiah as well as of all the prophet were dedicated to condemn this abominable practices ([Jer_19,1] - [Jer_19,9]).
Gideon: One of the most famous Judges: [Jdg_6,1] - [Jdg_8,1].
Gift: (Of languages). See [Acts_2,1] and note; [1Cor_14,2] - [1Cor_14,19].
Goliath: The Philistine giant ([2S_21,19]) with whom the legend of David is intertwined: [1S_17,4] and [1S_23,1].
Grace: This work that meant originally beauty ([Ps_45,3]) or goodness ([Ex_12,36]) quickly changes to signify favor. In the New Testament the word became pregnant with religious meaning. Grace became, then, the plan of salvation born of the goodness of God ([Lk_4,22]; [Acts_14,3]; [Rom_5,21]). It can be referred to the state of the creature reconciled with God ([Rom_5,2]); it means also the spiritual gifts of God ([2Cor_12,9]; [Gal_2,9), and the works blessed by God ([2Cor_8,19]).
Hagar: [Gen_16,1]; [Gen_21,9]; [Gal_4,22] - [Gal_4,23].
Hannah: Mother of Samuel: [1S_1,1] - [1S_2,1].
Hasideans or Hasidim: The pious person ([1Mac_2,42]; [1Mac_7,13]; [2Mac_14,6]). Promoters of the renewal of faith in the second century B.C. before the Syrian persecutions. It is from this movement that the Pharisees and Essenes came from.
Hebrew: Until the installation of the monarchy, this word meant, for the more sophisticated people, the foreign nomads who lived in a social condition considered as inferior ([Ex_1,19]; [1S_4,9]). Much later, at the time of the Greeks, this word was applied to the language and Jewish culture as opposed to the Greek one. The Jewish from Palestinian origin were called Hebrew ([Acts_6,1]; [2Cor_11,22]).
Hell: See Biblical Teaching 90-93 and the commentary of [Mt_13,36].
Henoch: A great ancestor connected with different traditions: [Gen_4,17] and [Gen_5,18]. He will become famous in the centuries of apocalyptic literature written c. 150 B.C. to A.D. 50.
Herod: Several Kings reigned under this name. Herod the Great reigned over Palestine from the year 37 to 4 B.C. The massacre of the Holy Innocents will be attributed to him ([Mt_2,7]). Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great, inherited a part of the Kingdom: the Galelee and Perea. He reigned from the year 4 B.C. to the year 39 A.D. It was before him that Jesus was brought ([Lk_23,8] - [Lk_23,12]). Herod Philipos II, another son of Herod the Great is named Philipos in [Lk_3,1]. Herod Agripa I, grandson of Herod the Great reigned from the year 39 to 44 A.D. (see [Acts_12,1] - [Acts_12,19]). Herod Agripa II reigned outside Palestine from the year 48 to 70 and he was the one Paul met at Cesarea ([Acts_25,1] and [Acts_26,1]). There is another Herod, named Herod Philipos I, son of Herod the Great whose wife Herodias left him for his half-brother Herod Antipas; she asked the later the head of John the Baptist ([Mk_6,17] - [Mk_6,28]).
Hezekiah: Reformer king whose memory is linked to Isaiah: [2K_18,1] - [2K_20,1].
High Place: As in many other religions the Canaanites often built their places of cult on top of the hills. With the Israelite domination those places were dedicated to the cult of Jahweh, but the old idolatrous practices remained, attracting the condemnation of the prophets.
High Priest: From the times of the Kingdom of Salomon, this term designates the chief of the priests and the one responsible for the service of the temple. He is considered as successor of Aaron ([Lev_8,1] - [Lev_10,1]) After the returning from the exile, the High Priest becomes the chief of the Jewish community]; see notes [1Mac_10,15]. At the times of Jesus, he will be also the president of Sanhedrin or Great Council. The gospels speaks also of the "High Priests", the main chiefs of the service of the temple.
Hittites: People of Anatolia (in the present Turkey) who were powerful in several periods of the 17th and 13th centuries B.C. They took from Egypt the control of Syria and Palestine in the 13th century, but soon were over-run by the invasion of "People of the Sea" and one of the branches were the Philistines of Palestine. They formed the aristocracy among the people of Canaan ([Ezk_16,3]).
Holocaust: See Burnt offering [Lev_1,1] and note.
Holy: And Holy of Holiest. The Holy was the first hall of the temple of Jerusalem; inside there was the altar of perfumes, the table of presentation of the bread and the chandelier of 7 branches ([Heb_9,1]). A veil separated the Holy of Holiest, the most sacred hall of the temple]; in this hall the ark of the covenant was treasured, but after it was taken by the Babylonians, the Holy of Holiest remained empty.
Isaac: The traditions regarding this ancestor are found in [Gen_17,1] - [Gen_27,1]. He remained in the tradition as the son of the promise: [Gen_17,19]; [Rom_9,7]; [Heb_11,18].
Israel: It is the name of the ancestor to whom several tribes who formed the people of Israel, were connected. He was later on identified with Jacob, another ancestor ([Gen_32,29]). At the time of division of the Kingdom of David and Solomon, the tribes of the north preserved the name of Israel while the Kingdom of the south was named Kingdom of Juda. After the destruction of the Kingdom of the north, the people of the south, the Judeans, became the only remnant of the old Israel and took this name.
Jairus: Jesus rose his daughter from death: [Mk_5,22].
James (a): The N.T. refers to James as the son of Zebedee and brother of John, commonly called James the Eldest ([Mt_4,21]). See [Acts_1,13]; [Acts_12,2]. There is also James, son of Clopas and Mary, a relative of Mary ([Mk_6,3] and [Jn_19,25]) who must be distinguished from James son of Alpheus ([Mt_10,3]; [Acts_1,13]).
James (b): Brother of the Lord, without doubt the son of Clopas and Mary: [Acts_12,17]; [Acts_15,13]; [Acts_21,18]; [1Cor_15,7]; [Gal_1,19]; [Gal_2,9] - [Acts_2,12]; [Jas_1,1]; [Jd_1,1].
Jehu: King of Israel who re-established Yahwism: [2K_9,11].
Jeroboam: The first king of the tribes of the north at the time of the great separation or Schism: [1K_11,1] - [1K_11,14]. Jeroboan the II will be the last great king of Israel: [2K_14,23].
Jerusalem: According to [Jdg_19,10] this city was called Jebush before the Israelite conquest. In fact, the name is very old. The meaning can be: the city or foundation of peace or probably foundation of Salem (a divinity). Its conquest by David marks a decisive step in the history of Israel and of the biblical Revelation see commentary to [2S_5,1]. Its miraculous liberation at the time of Ezequias and Isaiah is reported in [Is_37,21]; [Ps_46,1] and 48. The image of Jerusalem, city of peace, at times slave, at times free but also disappointing, maintains awaken the dream of the heavenly city promised by God (is chapters 60-62); its most beautiful description Is found at the end of the book of Revelation  (chapter 21).
Jesse: Father of David: [1S_17,12]; [Is_11,1]; [Rom_15,12].
Jethro: Priest of Madiam, the father in law of Moses: [Ex_3,1]; [Ex_4,18].
Jew: It is the english translation of the word Judean. See Juda.
Jewish: Feasts see [Dt_16,1] - [Dt_16,15]. The Passover, linked to the feast of unleavened bread (commentary of [Ex_12,15]), was celebrated at the end of the harvesting. The Feast of Weeks -Pentecost- referred to the thanksgiving at the end of the harvesting of barley. The Feast of the New Year took place in autumn ([Lev_23,24]), according to the old calendar. The Feast of Tents and the great day of Atonement ([Lev_16,1]) took place in the same period of time. Later on the feast of the Dedication of the Temple was added ([1Mac_4,36] - [1Mac_4,59]), as well as the feast of Purim ([Es_9,17]). Almost all these feasts had an agricultural origin but were given a religious one: Passover: departure from Egypt; Pentecost: gift of the Law; Feast of the Tents: sojourn in Egypt: These feasts became a living catechism.
Jezebel: Wife of King Akab: [1K_16,1] - [1K_21,1]; [2K_9,1]. Symbol of the power that corrupts and persecutes: [Rev_2,20].
Joanna: One of the women who followed Jesus: [Lk_8,3]; [Lk_24,10].
John (a): The "brother of James" and the son of Zebedee, one of the twelve apostles [Jn_20,2]; [Jn_21,1]. According to the common opinion he is the author of the 4th gospel, the book of Revelation , and the 3 letters that carry his name. See however the Introduction to John's Gospel - [Mk_1,19]; [Lk_8,51]; [Lk_9,28]; [Lk_22,8]; [Jn_13,23]; [Jn_18,15]; [Jn_19,26]. The evangelist? [Acts_1,13]; [Acts_3,1] - [Acts_3,4]; [Acts_3,11]; [Acts_4,13] - [Acts_4,19]; [Acts_8,14]; [Gal_2,9]; [Rev_1,1]; [Rev_22,8].
John (b): The Baptist. He is the last and the greatest of all the prophets: [Lk_1,1]. He preached and baptized in the desert: [Jn_3,1] - [Jn_3,18]; [Jn_1,19] - [Jn_1,28]; [Lk_7,18] - [Lk_7,35]; [Jn_3,22] - [Jn_3,36]; [Jn_10,41]; [Mt_17,21]. With him the O.T. comes to the end. Like Moses, he led the people of God to the doors of the promised land, but he did not enter because it was there that his mission stopped ([Jn_3,30]). Jesus mentioned the greatness of John ([Mt_11,11] - [Mt_11,14]).
John Mark: See Mark.
Jonathan: Son of Saul and the friend of David who accompanies him in his trials: [1S_14,1] - [1S_20,1]. See [2S_1,1].
Jordan: Its source is found at the foot of Hermon Mountain in the north of Palestine and goes southward to get lost in the waters of the Dead Sea. It represents in the O.T. the spiritual frontier of the promised land: its miraculous crossing behind the holy ark will remind Israel that the land was not conquered but given by God ([Jos_3,1] to [Jos_5,1]). In the N.T. the baptism of Jesus in the waters of the Jordan will mark the beginning of his evangelical preaching ([Acts_1,21] - [Acts_1,22]).
Joseph (a): Adoptive father of Jesus: [Mt_1,1] - [Mt_2,1]; [Lk_1,1] - [Lk_2,1]; [Lk_3,23]; [Lk_4,22]; [Jn_6,42].
Joseph (b): The story of Joseph, son of Jacob, sold by his brothers occupies a significant part of the Genesis: 37-50.
Joshua: Aside from the book of Joshua, see [Ex_17,9]; [Num_11,28]; [Dt_31,3]; [Dt_34,9].
Josiah: The holy and reformer king: [2K_21,24]; and chapters 22-23.
Jubilee: See [Lev_25,1] and note.
Juda: Is the name of one of the sons of Jacob: [Gen_29,35]; [Gen_35,23]; [Gen_49,8]. This name refers also to one of the tribes of Israel ([Num_10,14]), or even to the kingdom that remained in the hands of the dynasty of David after the Schism of the year 931 B.C. After the occupation of Palestine by the Romans, the southern part that corresponded more or less to the old tribe of Juda but enlarged by the Asmoneans in the two previous centuries, will receive the name of Judea.
Judas Maccabeus: Hero of the resistance against the Syrian empire: [1Mac_3,1] to [1Mac_9,22]; [2Mac_8,1] - [2Mac_8,15].
Judas: Iscariot, one of the Twelve who betrayed Jesus: [Mt_10,4]; [Lk_6,16]; [Jn_6,71]; [Jn_12,4]; [Jn_18,2]; [Mt_27,3].
Judges: In the Bible, the power to judge cannot clearly be distinguished from the power of governing: the same word means two things; the chiefs of the tribe, the elders of the city, the Kings are the judges. Nevertheless, the Bible speaks of Judges appointed by the authorities, starting with Moses ([Ex_18,13]). In most cases the priest levites were the judges ([Dt_21,5]).
Justice: It is one of the most frequent words in the Bible. The biblical history knows God as the one who makes justice. The God of Israel wants above everything a just law and the observance of a just law. The meaning of the word justice will be broader in proportion to the consciousness taken by the people of the multiple exigencies of the law of God. It will end up by expressing the perfection of the just person in the eyes of God, who pleases God because he does what is pleasing to his eyes. The just is the righteous person. In the N.T. the Greek word more commonly used means both justice and justification. Key word for Paul expressing at the same time the renewal of the person and his/her reconciliation with God through the faith in Christ, the Savior. See commentaries of [Rom_1,16].
Kingdom: See Biblical Teaching 62-63 and 110-113.
Law: as an ensemble of rules and commandments: see Biblical Teaching 70-78. The word is also used to designate the first 5 books of the O.T., which the Jewish call the "Torah".
Lazarus: Whom Jesus rose from death: [Jn_11,1] - [Jn_14,1]; [Jn_12,1]. The same name will be given to the poor of the parable narrated in [Lk_16,20].
Leah: Wife of Jacob: [Gen_29,16]; [Gen_30,9].
Levi: And levites. Among the twelve tribes of Israel, the tribe of Levi was chosen to assure the service of the cult. The sanctuary of Jerusalem was not the oldest one. There were sanctuaries of Yahweh all over the country (Bethel, Beersheba, Sichem, Mamre, Silo and many others). The priests of the tribe of Levi officiated in those temples; after the closing of the sanctuaries of the provinces under the kings Hezekiah and Josiah, the attendants of these places of worship concentrated in Jerusalem, but the priests of the Holy City left them only the secondary tasks: levites, then, refer to those priests coming from the provinces to be distinguished from those of Jerusalem.
Levirate: See [Dt_25,5] - [Dt_25,10]. See also the two examples of Thamar ([Gen_38,6] - [Gen_36,9]) and of Ruth ([Ru_2,1] and [Ru_3,1]) as well as [Mt_22,23] - [Mt_22,27].
Libation: Religious rite in which wine or oil is poured, usually on the altar, as an offering to God ([Ex_29,40]; [Lev_2,1]).
Lot: Nephew of Abraham: [Gen_12,4]; [Gen_13,1]; [Gen_19,1]; [2P_2,7].
Lydia: Disciple of Paul: [Acts_16,14] and [Acts_40,1].
Madianites: Nomadic tribes established in the NW of the Arabic peninsula. At the times of the Judges they reached the plains of Israel where they were defeated by Gedeon.
Magdala: Small port on the shore of Lake Tiberias; Mary Magdalene (Mary of Magdala) was from this city.
Magdalene: See Mary.
Magic: Always present as a persistent temptation, it was constantly and violently fought by the prophets in the O.T. ([Dt_18,10]; [Is_2,6]). The preaching of Paul in Ephesus will help the Christians to realize the vanity of those practices ([Acts_19,19]).
Manasseh: The ancestor, son of Joseph, after whom came the tribe of the same name: [Gen_41,50] - [Gen_41,51]; [Gen_48,1] - [Gen_48,20].
Manna: [Ex_16,1] and note.
Mark: One of the first disciples, mission companion of Paul and Barnabas, evangelist: [Acts_12,12], [Acts_12,25]; [Acts_13,5] - [Acts_13,25]; [Acts_15,37]; [Col_4,10]; [2Tim_4,11]; [Phlm_24,1].
Martha (a): And Mary: [Lk_10,38]; [Jn_11,1].
Martha (b): Sister of Lazarus: [Lk_10,38]; [Jn_11,1].
Mary (a): (Of Cleopas) [Mt_27,56]; [Mt_28,1]; [Jn_19,25].
Mary (b): Mother of Jesus. See Biblical Teaching 106 to 108. [Acts_1,14].
Mary (c): Mother of John Mark: [Acts_12,12].
Mary Magdalene: [Mt_27,56] - [Mt_27,61]; [Mt_28,1]; [Lk_8,2]; [Lk_24,10]; [Jn_12,3]; [Jn_19,25]; [Jn_20,1], [Jn_20,11].
Mattathias: Hero of the faith at the times of the Syrian empire: [1Mac_2,1].
Matthew: One of the Twelve: [Mt_9,9]; [Mt_10,3].
Matthias: Elected by the apostles to take the place of Judas Iscariot: [Acts_1,15] - [Acts_1,26].
Melchizedek: A legendary personality of the traditions regarding Abraham: [Gen_14,18]; [Heb_7,1-17].
Mesopotamia: Is the country between the two rivers, the Tigris and Euphrates. There developed the world oldest civilization, called the Sumerians, long before the year 3,000 B.C. Caldea and Babylon were located in this plain, near the delta; Assyria, more to the North. Ur in Caldea is considered as the departure point of Abraham, at a time in which the Amorite tribes wandered freely from the south (Ur) to the extreme north (Haran) of Mesopotamia.
Messiah: See Biblical Teaching 62-66.
Methuselah: [Gen_5,21].
Ministers: See Priests.
Moabites: Nomadic people who settled down on the east of the Dead Sea in the 13th century B.C. Around the year 900 B.C. they gave themselves a king. The Kingdom of Moab belonged to one of these neighboring people with whom Israel was often in conflict.
Monotheism: See [Ex_3,14] and note; [Ex_20,1] and note.
Moses: Chosen by God, he will take the sons of Israel out of Egypt and lead them to the doors of the promised land. The books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy report the deeds of Moses as they were perceived by Israel. See Biblical Teaching 30 to 39.
Name: Regarding the use of this word to express the power of a superior being, God or a supernatural being, see the commentary of [Mk_16,15].
Naomi: Mother in law of Ruth.
Nathan: Prophet of David. See [2S_7,3] - [2S_7,17]; [2S_12,1]; [1K_1,11].
Nathanael: One of the first disciples of Jesus: [Jn_1,45].
Nazirite: A person who was consecrated to God temporarily or permanently and would abstain from alcoholic drinks and not cut his hair ([Jdg_13,5]; [Lk_1,15]).
Nebuchadnezzar: He reigned from the year 605 to 562 over a vast empire with Babylon as capital. He took over Jerusalem in 597 and returned for the second time in 587-586 destroying completely the city and deporting the rest of the inhabitants ([2K_24,1] and [2K_25,1]).
New Year: There was not in the O.T. a New Year feast, but it was autumn, that marked for the Israelites the beginning of the year, the feast of Harvesting ([Ex_23,16]).
Nicodemus: One of the chiefs of the Jews, disciple of Jesus: [Jn_13,1]; [Jn_7,50]; [Jn_19,39].
Noah: Builder of the Ark and father of the wine-culture: [Gen_5,29]; [Gen_6,1] - [Gen_8,1].
Oblation: Offering of religious character; a part of it was offered in sacrifice and the other part was given to the priests ([Lev_7,12] - [Lev_7,14]).
Omri: Great king of Israel, which the prophets did not appreciate: [1K_16,16].
Onan: Son of Juda: [Gen_38,1] - [Gen_38,11].
Ophir: Area famous for its gold ([1K_9,28]; [Job_22,24]). It has been searched in the coasts of Arabia, but most probably it is to be found in the Mediterranean area, most probably in Spain.
Oracle: It is the right word to designate a declaration of God after a consultation by a prophet, whether the answer is a favorable one or a condemnation. In the prophetic books, the expression "Oracle of Yahweh" becomes a refrain underlining their poems with a meaning equivalent to "The Word of Yahweh".
Original: Sin See [Gen_3,14] and note.
Pagan: This word comes from the Latin paganus: people from the countryside. The present meaning comes from the fact that for several centuries only the cities were evangelized in Europe while the countryside remained with its traditions and gods. In Hebrew the word "the people" or "the nations" refers to the non Israelites in general, while the term "the people" or "the nation" means only Israel. The plural can be translated, then, according to the cases: foreigners or pagans. In the Greek world where Paul lived the Jews used other terms: "the circumcision", referring to the Jewish collectivity and the "foreskin", for the collectivity of the non Jewish people.
Parable: See [Mt_13,1]; [Mt_13,34]; [Mk_4,10] and their respective notes.
Parousia: This Greek word often translated as "return" or "coming" (of Christ) corresponds to the Hebrew word "visitation to demand the accounts". The whole O.T. announces such "visitations of God", in fact: the judgements of God over the world. With the N.T. the expected visitation is that of Jesus both as Judge and Savior ([2Thes_1,6] - [2Thes_1,10]).
Passover Lamb: Each year the inmolation of the Passover Lamb and the ritual meal during which it was eaten, reminded Israel how God liberated them from the slavery of the Egyptians in order to lead them towards the Promised Land ([Ex_12,21] - [Ex_12,28]). By his death on the cross, on the very hour in which the passover lambs were sacrificed in the temple, Jesus accomplished and transfigured all the paschal celebrations of the old covenant ([Jn_19,36]).
Passover: It was originally a feast of the nomadic people ([Ex_5,1] - [Ex_5,4]). Since the departure from Egypt took place on this occasion, the feast took a new dimension for the following generations ([Ex_13,8]). With the entrance into the promised land, this people of shepherds became agricultural people and the celebration of the first harvest would blend with the old feast of the sacrificed lamb. Passing from this world to his Father (Passover means passage) at the time of Passover, Jesus gave to this feast its definitive and total dimension ([1Cor_5,7]). See also [Mk_14,1] and note.
Paul: His life: [Acts_22,1]; [Phil_ 3,4] - [Phil_ 3,11]; [Acts_7,58]; [Acts_8,3]; [Acts_26,9]; His conversion: [Acts_9,1]; [Gal_1,15]; [1Tim_1,12]; His missions: [Acts_9,23]; [Acts_11,25]; [Acts_13,1] - [Acts_13,21]; [2Cor_11,1]. Trip to Rome: [Acts_21,1].
Pentateuch: Technical term, commonly used to designate the first 5 books of the O.T.
Pentecost: Originally this feast, called feast of the Weeks, had an agricultural character: 7 weeks after cutting the first ears of barley, the harvesting of wheat was celebrated. At the end of the O.T., nevertheless, this feast was turned into the remembrance of the gift of the Law in the Sinai. Nowadays the Church celebrates in Pentecost the effusion of the Holy Spirit. See [Acts_2,1] and note.
Peter: [Jn_1,42]; [Mt_4,18]; [Lk_9,1]. Peter, James and John: [Mk_5,37]; [Mk_9,2]; [Mk_13,3]; [Mk_14,33]. Promises to Peter: [Mt_16,13]; [Jn_21,15]; Faith of Peter: [Jn_6,68]; [Lk_9,18]; [Lk_22,31]. Denial of Peter: [Mk_14,53]. His apostolate: [Acts_1,13] - [Acts_1,15]; [Acts_2,14] - [Acts_2,41]; chap. [Acts_3,1] - [Acts_12,1]; [Acts_15,7]; [1P_1,1]; [2P_1,1]. See also Cephas.
Pharisees: The Pharisees (or separated) was one of the branches issued from the movement of Hasideans, or Hasidim, who had renewed the spirit of the faith a century and a half before ([1Mac_2,42]). This lay-people gave little importance to the cult of the Temple and much more to the practice of the Law. They stressed a great deal on the responsibility of the individual who is saved, in fact, by his/her own merits, under the just eyes of a God who rewards the good deeds. They represented the party (and the sect) of the pures ([Mt_16,6]; [Mt_23,1]; [Mk_8,1] and notes. Quite a Number of the teachers of the Law belonged to this party ([Mk_2,16]). After only one century they had already their place in the Sanhedrin side by side with the Sadducees ([Acts_23,7]). After the national tragedy of the year 70 they became the unquestionable guides of the nation and it was, then, that they excluded from the Jewish community those who had received baptism.
Phenice: It was the north of the coastal plain of Palestine with the port-cities of Tyre, Sidon, Byblos. The population was Cananean and lived out of commerce. The Phenicians were all over the Mediterranean. They were the ones who invented the alphabet in the 14th century B.C. It was among them that Salomon looked for the professionals of wood and metal he needed for the construction of the Temple and the palace. Thanks to their seamen, the Phenicians were able to send expeditions to Africa. Their prosperity aroused the envy of their neighbors. The prophets pointed out their pride and self-sufficiency, threatening them with a judgement of God ([Is_23,1]; [Ezk_27,32]).
Philip (a): One of the Seven: [Acts_6,5]; [Acts_6,8]; [Acts_21,8].
Philip (b): One of the Twelve: [Mt_10,3]; [Jn_1,43]; [Jn_12,21].
Philistines: They constituted a branch of the peoples of the Sea, arriving from Greek and neighboring islands around the 13th century B.C. Droven back by the Egyptians of Ramses III, they settled down in the coastal plain of southern Palestine in the five districts of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Accaron or Ekron and Gath ([Jos_13,3]; [1S_6,4]), at the same time when the Israeli nomads arrived from the interior. They were enemies of Israel for centuries. Palestine was at that time in the iron-age and the Philistines, due to their monopoly of the metal, became frightening enemies. The book of Judges and the two books of Samuel speak about them.
Pilate: Pontius Pilate ([Lk_3,1]) was the Roman governor of Judea at the time of the passion of Jesus ([Lk_23,1]; [Jn_18,28]). He was under the Roman legate who administered the present territories of Syria, Lebanon, Israel, occupied Palestine and Jordan. Pilate governed Judea from the year 26 to the 36 A.D.
Place: Of the dead: see Death.
Polygamy: A common practice among the people of the old Orient, but, through the centuries, monogamy prevailed in Israel. First as an obligation for the High Priests and, then, for all as it is attested by the last books of the O.T.
Possessed: By devil: see [Mk_1,23] and note.
Predestination: See [Rom_9,14] and note; [Eph_1,1] and note.
Priests: Of The Old Testament: see commentaries of [Num_3,1] and [Num_4,1]. Of the New Testament: see commentaries of [Acts_14,21] and [Heb_9,1].
Priscilla: See Aquila.
Prophets: See special introduction just before Isaiah.
Proselyte: The name was given to the pagans converted to Judaism. Only those of the second or third generation were considered full Jewish.
Prostitution: It existed in Israel as among other peoples, but in the biblical texts it often expresses the unfaithfulness of the people towards God.
Pul: Name of Teglat Phalasar, King of Assyria, [2K_15,19].
Pure: And Impure. It was a fundamental qualification at the times of Jesus and the apostles. See commentaries of [Mk_7,14] and [Acts_10,1].
Rachel: Favorite wife of Jacob: [Gen_29,15]; [Gen_29,29] and [Gen_29,30]; [Gen_35,16]; [Jer_31,15]; [Mt_2,18].
Rebekah: Wife of Isaac: [Gen_24,15]; [Gen_25,21]; [Gen_27,5].
Rome: Was the capital of a vast empire comprising all the territories around the Mediterraneum, conquered little by little during the three last centuries B.C. Palestine became a part of the empire 50 years before the birth of Christ. Rome was, then, for the Jewish people, the symbol of the colonial power and of all its evil consequences ([Rev_17,1] and [Rev_18,1]). We may admire the achievements of this huge empire where the riches and the law made out of Rome, the capital, a unique city. The book of Revelation, unveiling the other side of the picture, saw in Rome the incarnation of the power of evil. See commentary of [Rev_19,1].
Sabbat: See commentary of [Ex_20,8].
Sabbatical Year: It is only by stages that the Israelites passed from a nomadic life to an agricultural one. They adopted the custom, probably existing before them, to allow the land to rest every 7 years, like the sabbath ended the 7 days of the week. The priests and the prophets, then, insisted for each Sabbatical Year to be the occasion of condoning the debts and of returning the lands to their former owners ([Dt_15,1]). In fact, this was like asking the impossible and the law was never applied. To make the law more palatable they instituted the jubilar year every 50 years: see [Lev_25,1] and its commentary.
Sacred Prostitution: Male and female prostitutes were linked to the pagan sanctuaries: by uniting to them, the faithful entered in communion with the divinity. These perverse practices were condemned by the Prophets.
Sadducees: Were a party led by the big priestly families, the descendants of Zadoc, who appropriated for themselves the office of the high priest at the time of the Exile ([Ezk_44,15]). Invested of the religious authority and controling the majority of the seats of the Sanhedrin, or great council, they dominated the political landscape. They do their best to handle the Roman occupation, not recognizing any other salvation than the national one. They mistrusted the Prophets whose message risked to watershed the nationalistic spirit ([Acts_23,8]) and hold on the Pentateuch that had the advantage of insisting heavily over their privileges as priests ([Mk_12,18] and note).
Salome: [Mt_27,56]; [Mk_15,40]; [Mt_20,20].
Salomon: Son of David and Bathsheba ([2S_12,24]), King of Israel: [1K_1,1] - [1K_1,11]; [1Chr_28,1] - [1Chr_29,1] and [2Chr_1,1] - [2Chr_9,1]. He has left a reputation of richness ([Mt_6,29]) and Wisdom ([Lk_11,31]). 
Salvation: See Biblical Teachings 160-165.
Samaritan: Woman [Jn_4,7].
Samaritans: Population composed of Israelites and peoples from different regions of the Near-East brought by the Assyrians after their victory over the northern Kingdom in the year 721 B.C. Even though they lived in Palestine, the Samaritans were always under suspicion in the eyes of the Jews as well as despised by them ([Jn_4,9]; [Lk_17,16]).
Samson: A legendary hero: [Jdg_13,1] - [Jdg_16,1].
Sanhedrin: It was the great council of the Jews at the time of Jesus. It was composed of 71 representatives of the priestly families, the big landlords (the elders) and after Queen Alexandra (76-67 A.D.) the scribes, members of the party of the Pharisees.
Sarah: Wife of Abraham ([Gen_12,5]) and mother of the son of the promise ([Gen_17,15]; [Gen_21,1]). The N.T. will associate her to the faith of Abraham: [Heb_11,11]; [1P_3,6].
Satan: (Devil) Some passages of the Old Testament mentioned an adversary of God and of Israel, the Satan in Hebrew and the Diabolos in Greek, it means the accuser ([1Chr_21,1]; [Job_1,1]). In the last centuries B.C. the popular belief concentrated on the demons, strange and bad spirits. The Greek word "daimon" can be referred to a genial spirit, a deranged spirit ([Jn_10,20]) or an evil spirit. Jesus cast out demons as the Jewish exorcists used to do ([Lk_11,19]; [Acts_19,13]) but he gave much more importance to the Demon as an adversary of God and of salvation ([Mk_3,27]; [Lk_10,18]). The gospel of John shows in a particular way the cosmic and spiritual dimension of redemption: it is about retaking the control of an alienated world from the demon ([Jn_12,31]; [Jn_14,30]).
Saul: First king of Israel: [1S_9,1] - [1S_31,1].
Scape: Goat: see [Lev_16,1] and note.
Scribes: Or doctors of the law, this people of the middle class were committed to the study of the Scriptures. They belonged, in general, to the party of the Pharisees and after the Queen Alexandra (76-67 B.C.) they had their place in the Sanhedrin.
Sects: At the time of Jesus this word referred to the important groups or movements that divided the Jewish community. According to the historian Flavius Joseph us their division was due to a different concept of freedom: in other words, to the way of answering to the salvific plan of God. The four sects were: the Sadducees, Pharisees, Zelots and Essenes. At the beginning, the Church was considered as a new sect of Judaism: [Acts_24,14]; [Acts_28,22]. Later on, it was within the church itself that different sects appeared: [Tit_3,10].
Sem: Or Shem. The first of the sons of Noe: [Gen_5,32]; [Gen_10,21].
Servant: The second part of the book of Isaiah contains four extraordinary poems ([Is_42,1] - [Is_42,9]; [Is_49,1] - [Is_49,7]; [Is_50,4] - [Is_50,11]; [Is_52,13] - [Is_53,12]) portraying the perfect servant of Yahweh. From the very beginning, the Church recognized its Lord in the traits of this "holy servant" ([Acts_3,13] and [Acts_3,26]; [Acts_4,27] and [Acts_4,30]).
Seth: Son of Adam and Eve: [Gen_4,25].
Silas: (Silvanus ?) Companion of Paul: [Acts_15,22] - [Acts_15,40]; [Acts_16,19]; [Acts_17,14]; [Acts_18,5]; [2Cor_1,19]; [1P_5,12].
Simeon: [Lk_2,25].
Sinai: (Or Horeb) On the extreme south of the land that separates Egypt from Palestine a high plateau with an elevation of 2,300 m. was regarded as the most probable place of the manifestation of God to this people led by Moses ([Ex_19,1]).
Sinner: This word had different meanings at the time of Jesus. The sinners were those who by ignorance or negligence did not follow the law of God; they were, also, the social class whose activities seemed to be condemned by God, like the tax collectors and prostitutes.
Son of Man: In Hebrew, Son of Adam. In plural, humankind. In singular, the man of the people ([Ps_49,3]). In the O.T. the prophet Ezekiel is often addressed by God with this name ([Ezk_21,2]; [Ezk_22,2]; [Ezk_23,2] ...). It is nevertheless in the vision of [Dn_7,13] that appeared in the aureole of God a "son of man", representing the people of God. Jesus applied to himself this vision ([Lk_22,69]) and that is the reason why he calls himself the Son of Man, especially when he speaks about his glorious return ([Lk_9,26]). In [Jn_5,27] the meaning is different: see commentary.
Stephen: One of the first seven deacons: [Acts_6,5]. The first martyr [Acts_6,8] - [Acts_8,1].
Sunday: The Jewish week finished with the sabbat ([Gen_2,2]), being sunday the first day of the week. The first Christians will retain this day in which the Lord rose from the dead to celebrate the Eucharist ([Acts_20,7]).
Suzanna (a): Heroine of the book of Daniel ([Dn_13,1]).
Suzanna (b): One of the women who followed Jesus: [Lk_8,3].
Tamar: Daughter in law of Juda: [Gen_38,1]; [Mt_1,3]. Sister of Absalon: [2S_13,1].
Tarsis: It is Spain. The ships of Tarsis were the sea-going vessels able to cross the Mediterranean all the way to the extreme coast of Spain.
The persecutor king, son of Ezequias: [2K_21,1]; his conversion: [2Chr_33,1] - [2Chr_33,20].
The Twelve: See Apostles.
Tithes: See [Dt_14,22] and note.
Unleavened: Bread or bread without yeast. See [Ex_12,15] and note.
Way: In the primitive church the word Way designated the faith and the Christian life ([Acts_9,2]; [Acts_18,26]).
Zaccheus: The tax collector: [Lk_19,1].
Zadoc priest: Friend of David ([2S_8,17]; [2S_15,24]; [2S_17,15]) who sided with the party of Salomon ([1K_1,1]) obtaining for his descendants the control of the clergy of Jerusalem. Later on, the High Priest will be chosen among his descendants: [Ezk_40,46]; [Ezk_43,19]; [Ezk_48,11].
Zechariah: Father of John the Baptist: [Lk_1,5]; [Lk_1,59].
Zedekiah: Last king of Juda: [2K_24,18] and [2K_25,1].
Zelots: The Zelots were as fanatics as the Essenes and as political as the Sadducees. Quite a Number of Essenes were found among them, specially those who came to the conclusion that weapons are more effective than prayers. At the time of the gospels, they remained the heirs of a long tradition of those who after the priest Phinehas ([Num_25,7]) until the Maccabeans, had defended the honor of Israel and the national independence. Later on they organized themselves and took a decisive part in the upheaval against the Romans in the year 66.
Zerubbabel: Descendant of the Kings of Juda, he was governor of those who returned from the exile, but his lineage was lost: [Esd_3,2]; [Esd_5,2]; [Ne_12,1]; [Hg_2,20]; [Mt_1,12]; [Lk_3,27].
Zion: This term designates the city of Jerusalem taken by David around the year 1000 B.C. ([2S_5,6] - [2S_5,10]), but with time Zion became synonymous of Jerusalem. In the N.T. the term remained with the meaning of the Heavenly Jerusalem.
